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Safeguarding Against the Escalating Menace of Employment Scams

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As the festive season approaches, job seekers in South Africa become easy targets for con artists promoting fake employment offers. These scams appear as authentic job ads on websites and social media, enticing victims with employment promises and requesting a “verification fee” for sensitive personal information. To stay safe, job seekers should authenticate job openings, avoid payments or personal data requests, and recognize common scam characteristics. Employers must advertise job vacancies through official channels, and stakeholders must collaborate to combat job scams and create a safer job market.

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Empowering Rural Youth: MEC Siboniso Duma’s Quadbike Initiative for Somopho Hills Adventure Park

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MEC Siboniso Duma is empowering rural youth and boosting tourism in KwaZuluNatal with the Somopho Hills Adventure Park quadbike initiative. The park, founded by young entrepreneur Lungani Mthembu, immerses visitors in Zulu heritage and creates employment opportunities for locals. The government is committed to supporting the tourism industry, and KZN has secured the rights to host the XIX World Water Conference in 2025. With special deals and attractions available, tourists are encouraged to plan their vacations in KZN and contribute to the growth and development of the province.

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Honoring Educators and Their Influence: A Salute to Teacher Appreciation Month

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Take a moment to appreciate the teachers in your life during Teacher Appreciation Month. The ThankaTeacher campaign encourages us to show our gratitude for the mentors who shape our lives and guide us through the world of learning. By sharing messages, videos, drawings, or photos on social media with the hashtag ThankaTeacher, we can collectively honor these dedicated educators who play a vital role in our lives. Let us remember to recognize and cherish their invaluable contributions.

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A New Dawn for Atlantis Business Hives: Revitalizing Local Commerce

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The Atlantis Business Hives has been revitalized, thanks to the city’s efforts to support local traders and provide them with a safe and clean working environment. The upgraded facility offers a wide range of services catering to traders in various sectors, and the city has allocated R184 million for upgrading trading spaces throughout the metro over the next three years. The city is not only focusing on physical infrastructure but also promoting the growth of business skills among traders and emerging entrepreneurs. With the support of the city, the traders of the Atlantis Business Hives are poised to seize fresh opportunities and chart a course towards prosperity and success.

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Cape Town Marks 45 Years of Artistic Excellence at the Loeries

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Cape Town is celebrating its 45th year of hosting the prestigious Loeries festival, which brings together exceptional talent from Africa and the Middle East for a weeklong immersion into the world of creativity. The festival’s theme, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears,” showcases the resilience and dedication of the brand communications industry. Loeries Creative Week is expected to host approximately 8,000 innovative individuals from over 20 countries, offering an unparalleled opportunity for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, trends, and best practices. The festival serves as a testament to Cape Town’s dynamic creative community and its commitment to supporting the growth and development of creative industries.

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A New Era for South African Banking

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Introducing Postbank, a stateowned commercial bank in South Africa, marks a new era for the country’s banking sector. The creation of this new institution aims to close the gap between social classes and ensure that accessible banking services reach even the most financially disadvantaged. Postbank plans to provide affordable and developmental commercial banking services, focusing on responsible lending for rural and lowerincome markets, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for the country’s citizens and reaffirming the government’s dedication to social and economic development.

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Motheo TVET College and SIU Reach Debt Agreement: A Pioneering Development

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has reached an Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) agreement with Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Free State, South Africa, concerning an ongoing investigation into the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Motheo TVET College has agreed to repay unallocated NSFAS grant funding totaling R38,686,477.10, making monthly payments of R855,679.91 for 60 months. The SIU’s efforts to address financial misallocations in the higher education sector are contributing to reinforcing the overall integrity of the higher education landscape in South Africa.

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Addressing Discolored Drinking Water in Northern Cape Town

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The City of Cape Town has confirmed the presence of discolored water in the northern suburbs due to the effects of a severe storm on the water quality at the Wemmershoek Dam. Despite being treated, the water’s turbidity count exceeds the aesthetic standard limit for drinking water. The City is closely observing the highly turbid water and carrying out extensive water sampling and continuous testing to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in the affected areas. The incident highlights the need for robust infrastructure and contingency plans to respond to emergencies and maintain the quality of essential services like clean water supply.

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South African Minister Supports Investigation into Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant

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South African Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, supports an investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration related to a R295 million tender granted for the renovation and improvement of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works. The plant has struggled with operational and maintenance issues, resulting in inadequate effluent treatment and contamination of the Apies River and the Leeuwkraal Dam. This pollution has negatively impacted the water quality in the Leeuwkraal Dam, compromising the drinkability of the water supplied to the Hammanskraal area. The Special Investigating Unit will probe the allegations and the City of Tshwane will address water quality and supply problems.

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Honoring ICT SMME Certification During the 2023 Corrections Week with Deputy Minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa

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Deputy Minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa gave an inspiring speech at the ICT SMME Certification Ceremony during the 2023 Corrections Week. Holomisa emphasized the importance of human rights and the responsibility of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to create a just and secure South Africa. Community Corrections plays a vital role in aiding the acceptance and social reintegration of offenders, and the DCS needs to reinforce partnerships to accomplish its objectives. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders are necessary to prepare inmates for life after release and create a safer and more just South Africa.

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A Revolutionary Approach to Employment and Labor: The BRICS Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work

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South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour has proposed the BRICS Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work Platform, which has been unanimously approved by all member nations. The platform aims to stimulate economic growth, sustainability, and job creation by encouraging cooperation and the exchange of knowledge among its member countries. The ecosystem embodies a dedication to social justice and fairness, recognizing the significance of decent work, dignity, and respect for all as integral components of sustainable development. The success of this ambitious initiative hinges on the mutual commitment and active involvement of all participating countries.

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The BRICS Employment Working Group: A Lifeline for Debt-Burdened Workers

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As the global economic landscape continues to shift, the BRICS coalition (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has stepped up to address the challenges faced by workers. Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, has urged labor experts, senior government officials, and delegates at the BRICS Employment Working Group to adopt a resolution outlining a clear action plan to reduce the debt burden plaguing numerous workers.

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Investigating Tshwane Municipality Scandal: Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works

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The South African Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recently shifted its attention to the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works, following authorization by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Proclamation R 138 of 2023. The SIU is investigating claims of maladministration and corruption within Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, with the primary objective of recovering any financial losses experienced by the state.

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Giyani Labour Centre Brings Services to the Community

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The Giyani Labour Centre, part of the Department of Employment and Labour in Limpopo Province, is organizing a community outreach event at Masingita Mall on Tuesday, 26th September 2023. The aim of this initiative is to make essential services more accessible to the people of Giyani and nearby areas.

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BRICS Nations Unite for Employment and Labor Market Progress

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From September 26 to 29, 2023, the Employment and Labor Ministers of BRICS nations gathered in Durban to foster cooperation in generating employment opportunities and enhancing labor market governance. The meetings took place at the Radisson Blu Umhlanga and were spearheaded by South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labor. The central focus of the discussions revolved around increasing productivity initiatives and strengthening social protection among the BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

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Discovering Cape Town Through a Groundbreaking Virtual Experience

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In a bold effort to entice international tourists and investors, Cape Town has recently joined forces with Gecko Digital Global, a local service provider, to create a cuttingedge virtual tour. Led by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, this initiative seeks to highlight the city’s various attractions, experiences, and offerings, in line with Cape Town’s sixpillar Destination Marketing Strategy.

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